Field Initiated Projects Program (Research) | HHS 2025 ACL NIDILRR IFRE 0104

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the Field Initiated Projects Program (Research)?

The Field Initiated Projects Program (Research) is a discretionary grant opportunity from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), through NIDILRR. It supports practical, disability-centered research intended to strengthen full participation in society by generating new scientific knowledge or deepening understanding of disability-related problems and evidence.

2) What is the central goal of this funding opportunity?

The central goal is to support rigorous research that improves inclusion and integration for people with disabilities. The program emphasizes work that can address real-world challenges and contribute credible evidence that can inform policy, services, technology, or practices.

3) What kinds of outcomes does the program care about most?

The program is especially concerned with outcomes for people with the greatest support needs. It prioritizes research that can move the needle on practical issues such as employment, independent living, family and caregiver support, and long-term economic self-sufficiency.

4) Is this announcement for research or development projects?

This announcement is specifically for research proposals, not development projects. Applicants should ensure their project is clearly positioned as a research study and aligns with NIDILRR expectations for research rigor and contribution to the evidence base.

5) What does NIDILRR mean by a "research" project in this context?

Applicants are expected to frame their work around one or more clear hypotheses or research questions and conduct an intensive, systematic study. The emphasis is on rigorous research designs capable of producing new knowledge or a better-grounded understanding of the topic, rather than general program support or loosely defined exploration.

6) What kinds of projects are not the focus of this announcement?

This announcement is not intended for development projects. It also is not described as providing general program support. Proposals that do not present clearly defined research questions or hypotheses and an intensive, systematic study may be less aligned with the stated intent of the opportunity.

7) Will there be a separate opportunity for development-focused Field Initiated Projects?

Yes. The information provided indicates a separate funding announcement will be released for Field Initiated Projects categorized as development. Research applicants should avoid positioning a development effort under this research-specific announcement.

8) How long is the project period?

Awards are structured with a 36-month project period.

9) How is the 36-month project period divided for budgeting and planning?

The 36 months are broken into three 12-month budget periods. This typically implies annual budgeting and performance planning across a three-year research timeline.

10) How many awards are expected?

The notice indicates NIDILRR plans to make about 15 total Field Initiated Projects awards across both research and development combined. The source data also lists an expected 8 awards under this specific opportunity entry.

11) How will final selections be made if research and development are both being funded overall?

Final selections are described as being influenced by peer review rankings across the two tracks (research and development) combined, based on the information provided.

12) What is the maximum award amount?

The posting lists an award ceiling of $250,000. The information provided notes that applicants should confirm in the full NOFO whether this cap is per year or the total project amount, since summaries can differ.

13) When is the application due?

The listed application closing date is December 9, 2024.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad for U.S.-based entities that can conduct high-quality research. Eligible applicants include:

• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Special district governments
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• Federally recognized Tribal governments
• Other Tribal organizations
• Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not IHEs in those categories)
• For-profit organizations (including those other than small businesses)
• Small businesses

15) Can faith-based or community organizations apply?

Yes. Faith-based and community organizations may apply as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

16) Are foreign entities eligible to apply?

No. Foreign entities are not eligible to apply for or receive awards under this announcement.

17) What types of applicants is this opportunity best suited for?

This opportunity is meant for organizations that can propose a well-defined disability research project with clear questions, strong methods, and a meaningful connection to improving participation and quality of life for people with disabilities.

18) What makes a project a strong fit for this program based on the description provided?

Competitive projects will typically show a direct line from research questions to actionable knowledge, tools, or insights that can support policy, services, technology, or practices that increase inclusion, independence, and economic opportunity.

19) Does the program focus on any particular disability populations?

Yes. The program is especially concerned with outcomes for people with the greatest support needs, as described in the opportunity summary.

20) What should applicants double-check in the full NOFO?

Based on the information provided, applicants should confirm in the full NOFO whether the $250,000 award ceiling is an annual cap or a total project cap, since postings can summarize this differently.